by Cindy Kirk
The Triad Group, made up of Kyle Kendrick, David Chapin and Ethan Shaw, had big plans for this stretch of roadway. Though Piper had been hesitant to relocate her business from Main Street, Adam had a feeling it would end up being a good move.
Adam used the key Charlotte had given him on Tuesday and bounded up the steps. He knocked on the door, and the distant, “Come in,” had him unlocking it and stepping inside.
“Charlotte,” he called out.
“In the shower,” came the muffled response. “Be out in a minute.”
For a second, he was tempted to join her. Instead, he took a seat on the sofa. Piper was her friend, and tonight was a big deal. As Charlotte was already running late, he doubted she’d appreciate the interruption.
He thought, for not the first time, how nice it would be if she lived at the farm. They’d get ready for events like this together. If she needed help with anything, he’d be there for her. And she’d be there for him.
On Tuesday, after they’d made love in front of the fire, he’d nearly told her he loved her. When she looked into his eyes, he swore he saw love and not simply passion shimmering in the blue depths.
Over the past month, he’d seen a change in her. Unless it was only his own wishful thinking, she appeared ready to step out of the fast lane and embrace the simple pleasures he and Good Hope had to offer.
Adam didn’t want her to simply move in with him, though. He wanted her to marry him. He wanted their son—and any other children they might be blessed with—to grow up under the same roof with both parents and a loving grandpa.
No matter how difficult, Adam would wait to broach the subject until the time was right. Charlotte was worth the wait. She—
A ding interrupted his reverie. Adam picked up the phone beside him before he realized his was still in his pocket.
The text was from someone named Paul Lux.
The first few lines in the preview had his fingers tightening around the phone. Hey, beautiful. Can’t wait to see you. Any chance tonight will work?
With a finger that shook, Adam opened the message to read the last bit.
I’m ready to celebrate! XO Paul
“I just have to blow-dry my hair, slap on makeup and—” Charlotte paused, a towel in one hand.
Adam stood, held out the phone. “Paul can meet you tonight if you’re free.”
Charlotte strolled across the room and calmly lifted the phone from his hand. “Paul is a producer I met when I lived in San Diego. He’s in the area shooting a film.”
Adam didn’t consider himself the jealous or possessive type, but still… “He called you beautiful.”
She laughed and struck a pose. “You have to admit I am stunning. Especially with wet hair.”
A sick feeling took up residence in the pit of his stomach.
“Adam.” Charlotte’s voice turned soft. “It’s not what you think. Paul isn’t trying to sleep with me. He contacted me with what could be called the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“A job opportunity?”
“Yes. It’s working with film—”
“Where is this fantastic opportunity located?” Adam knew courtesy dictated he should let her finish, but he couldn’t quell the panic clawing at his throat.
“In Los Angeles. But—”
“He contacted you recently, or has this been in the works for a while?”
She frowned slightly. “He mentioned something about it several weeks ago.”
“Yet you didn’t see any reason to let me in on your plans.”
“It was only a possibility.”
“It sounds like it’s gone from a possibility to something to celebrate.” Adam’s voice turned harsh and raspy. “A job in California.”
Her face turned stony, but her voice remained quiet and controlled. “Don’t you want to hear what it is? Hear what I’m thinking?”
“No.” He expelled a shaky breath, then raked a hand through his hair. “I can’t believe you’d up and leave.”
“Sit down, Adam.” Charlotte met his gaze. “This isn’t all about you. It isn’t only about what you want.”
“I thought we wanted the same things.”
“We do.” She swore. “Will you please sit down and listen to me?”
“I am listening. I’m listening to you say you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I know you, Charlotte. You’re not the type to walk away from something like that.” Adam paced to the window, then returned to face her. “I love you. I thought you loved me, too.”
She took a step closer, put a hand on his arm. Tears shimmered in her blue eyes. “Why won’t you hear me out?”
He couldn’t stand there one second longer. He’d been a fool to believe Good Hope could make her happy. That he could make her happy. “Give Piper my regards.”
By the time he reached his truck, he felt as if his chest was breaking in two. But he knew it wasn’t his chest, it was his heart.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Charlotte stood there as the door slammed shut behind him. One thought turned over and over in her brain. He hadn’t even given her a chance to explain.
Sadness warred with anger. If she’d only stuck to her guns and kept her heart to herself, she’d be fine right now.
She supposed she should feel grateful she’d discovered what he was like. He hadn’t listened, hadn’t asked what she wanted to do. All he’d thought about was himself.
Her phone buzzed, but not because of a call from Adam or another text from Paul. It was her reminder that it was time to leave for Piper’s grand opening.
With an inner strength that had been a part of her for as far back as she could remember, Charlotte returned to the bathroom to dry her hair.
By the time she arrived at the shops, all the parking spaces along Wrigley were taken, and the concrete lot that had just been poured two weeks ago was already half full.
The windows along this strip of roadway had been decorated with a fall theme in mind. Charlotte gazed unseeingly at the art display. Only then did she remember that Swoon was sharing space with Lindsay Vaughn’s floral shop and Izzie Deshler’s local art business.
When she stepped inside the crowded store, Charlotte spotted Piper chatting with several older women. Not wanting to disturb her, she wandered around the racks of clothes and displays of sweaters.
“Isn’t it wonderful?”
Grateful for the distraction, Charlotte turned at the sound of Marigold’s voice. Her business partner stood, bouncing a fussy Caleb in her arms.
“Caleb doesn’t appear overly impressed.” Charlotte managed a smile.
“We’re trying to keep him up for another hour,” Marigold said as the baby’s whimpers continued.
“Why?” From where Charlotte stood, she could see the baby’s eyelids were clearly drooping.
“We’re trying to get him on a schedule.” Marigold shifted her focus to shoot her husband a pointed glance. “Two hours of sleep at a stretch isn’t my idea of fun.”
“Mine either.”
“You and Adam will learn all about it.” Marigold glanced around. “Where is he?”
“Something came up.” Charlotte kept it simple. “He couldn’t make it.”
“That’s too bad.” Marigold gestured with her head. “Looks like Piper is free. Best say hello while you have the chance.”
Piper was indeed free, but not for long. Still, Charlotte was able to say hello and offer her congratulations. Then she slipped out the front door.
“Charlotte.”
The call came from across the street, from the porch of the Ding-A-Ling.
Instead of making her come to him, Paul crossed the road to her. Though she hadn’t seen him in nearly a year, he hadn’t changed. Still handsome as ever with his thick mane of blond hair and his skin a healthy bronze from hours in the sun. He had a striking face with a smile designed to charm.
“Paul. Hello.” Charlotte returned his smile. “What are you doing out this way?”
“I got int
o town early. When I didn’t hear back from you, I thought I’d check out the local nightlife.” He smiled. “Mavis, the proprietor of the Sweet Dreams motel, where I’m spending the night, suggested I check out this place.”
Charlotte took his hands in hers and kissed him on the cheek. “It’s good to see you.”
“You look tired.”
“You look fabulous.”
He laughed and jerked his head in the direction of the bar. “Let me buy you a drink.”
She wanted to go home and pull the covers over her head. Pretend tonight was just a bad dream. But Paul was a friend.
“A drink sounds good.” She took his arm as they crossed the street back to the bar. “Tell me about the movie you’re filming. Is it another action adventure?”
Talking about movies, any genre, was a guaranteed conversation starter. Paul’s passion for the business was one of the things that had first attracted her to him.
She thought of Adam and his love for organic farming. Yes, nothing was quite so attractive as true passion.
They secured a table a little too close to the karaoke stage for her tastes, but at least they didn’t have to sit at the bar. She wondered why it was so busy, then realized it was a Saturday night. She also noticed that many who’d attended the grand opening of the Shoppes had simply migrated across the street.
“I thought that was you. I—” Ethan paused.
For a split second, Charlotte saw Ethan’s shock at seeing her with a man who wasn’t Adam. He covered his surprise with a smile.
“Ethan Shaw, I’d like to introduce you to an old friend of mine, Paul Lux.”
“It’s good to meet you.” Ethan glanced at Charlotte. “If there’s anything you need, let me know.”
“Who is he?” Paul asked when Ethan strode off.
“Ethan is part of the Triad Group, which is developing this area. He’s also part owner of the bar. A manager quit, and he’s filling in until they can get someone hired.”
Paul nodded. “You do what you have to do.”
Yes, Paul’s passion and high capacity for work were admirable. Though he looked even better than she remembered, she wasn’t the least bit attracted to him.
“How’s your business here doing?”
Another plus in his favor. It wasn’t always all about him. He was truly interested in people, in what they did, what they thought, what mattered to them.
“It’s going well. We’ve hit a little snag. My partner and her husband just adopted a baby, and now she’s pregnant with twins.”
Paul’s only reaction was a slight widening of his eyes and a long drink of beer. “God bless ’em. Glad it’s them and not me.”
“She wants to bring in another stylist.” Charlotte explained the situation, leaving out any particulars about Gianna.
Although Paul lived in California and the Steffan Oliver Salon was in Chicago, Paul traveled all over the country for work. The high-end salon was the type of place Paul might frequent while in the Windy City.
“Sounds like this is the perfect time for you to bail.”
Charlotte inclined her head.
“Move to LA. Be a stylist to the stars. Starting with Sydney.” He sat back in his seat and raised his pilsner glass to his lips, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Leticia never contacted me, Paul.” Charlotte lifted her hands, let them fall. “Apparently, the Wall Group isn’t interested in me after all.”
“There has to be some error.” Paul immediately pulled out his phone. “I spoke with Leticia myself. She was jazzed about bringing you on board.”
“Paul, really.” Charlotte put her hand on his arm. “Just let it go.”
“I will not.” A steely gleam filled his eyes. “I’m getting answers, and I’m getting them tonight.”
Adam pushed open the door to the house, hoping his father had already gone to bed.
“Adam. You’re home early. Is Charlotte with you?”
Stepping from the foyer into the living room, Adam found his dad pretty much where he’d left him. Sitting in the chair with Molly on the floor beside him.
The fact that there was a bowl of snack mix and a beer on the table next to the chair told Adam that his dad had at least gotten up once while he’d been gone.
“It’s just me.”
At the sound of his voice, Molly rose and wagged her tail.
Adam briefly considered heading up to bed, but wasn’t sure he wanted to be alone with his thoughts, not yet, anyway.
“Where’s Charlotte? I thought you were going to Piper’s grand opening together.”
“A friend from California is in town to see her. She’s probably with him now.” Adam dropped down on the sofa. “Not my business.”
Stan’s face betrayed no emotion. “Are you saying you think Charlotte and this man may be more than friends?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Adam surged to his feet and went to stand beside the fireplace mantel. “He’s dangling this terrific job opportunity in front of her. It’s in California, Dad. She’s going to take my son and move two thousand miles away.”
“Is that what she said?”
“Not exactly, but she loves California.” Adam blew out a breath and realized everything inside him felt hollow. “She told me herself this job is an opportunity of a lifetime.”
“Sounds intriguing.” Stan stroked his chin. “If this position is the opportunity of a lifetime, perhaps she should take it, and the two of you should move to California.”
Adam didn’t bother to hide his shock. “My home is here.”
“Home isn’t a place, son. Home is family.” Stan’s eyes softened. “It’s having the people you love with you, supporting you, loving you.”
“I suppose.” Adam didn’t know what to think anymore.
“I know one thing. Charlotte loves you.”
“You know, in the beginning, it was more about the baby, but lately…”
“Lately?” Stan prompted.
Adam spread his hands. “I don’t know how I can live without her.”
“That’s your answer.”
“Answer to what?”
“What you do next.” Stan pushed to his feet. “I assume that’s what’s going on in your head.”
“You’re saying I need to speak with Charlotte.”
“I’m saying you need to open your heart and listen to what someone you love has to say. She’s got hopes and dreams, too.” Compassion filled his father’s eyes. “I know it’s hard, but you need to be honest. Don’t be afraid to tell her exactly how you feel.”
“Feel?”
“About all that’s happened.” Stan met his gaze. “And about her.”
Adam knew he was taking a risk by waiting for Charlotte outside her back door. It had been a long day. She had to be exhausted.
But he also knew her well enough to know if they didn’t settle this, neither of them would get much sleep tonight. Despite what had gone down earlier, he believed she would take time to talk with him.
This time, he would listen.
The lights of her car danced over his dark truck as she pulled in beside him.
When she got out, he did the same.
“Adam.”
Was it only his own wishful thinking that he thought he heard a welcome in her voice?
“We didn’t leave things on a good note earlier. That’s on me.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, feeling suddenly awkward and unsure. “I came to apologize. I reacted badly. There’s no excuse for my behavior. You wanted to talk. I’m ready to listen.”
She studied his face. “You look like hell.”
“You look gorgeous as ever.”
Charlotte gave a little laugh. “That isn’t what Paul said.”
“You saw him tonight?” he asked as they climbed the steps.
“I did. I ran across him when I was leaving Swoon. He was headed into the Ding-A-Ling. I joined him.”
She opened the door and flicked on the lights.
Cocking her head, Charlotte studied him for a long moment. “Why the sudden interest?”
He deserved the little jab. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me.”
Taking a seat on the sofa, he patted the spot next to him.
Charlotte sat and explained the offer.
Adam wasn’t sure what he’d expected the deal to be, but she’d been right. This was huge. “Are you saying you’d be Sydney Whitaker’s personal stylist?”
“If I sign with Leticia Logan, and she can negotiate a deal with Sydney’s people, then yes, I’d be her stylist. Leticia would work to get me other clients.”
“That’s amazing.” He shook his head. “I can see why you thought Paul might be just blowing hot air.”
She nodded. “Apparently, Leticia has been juggling a lot of balls, and I sort of fell through the cracks. She was horrified when Paul called her this evening. Though I could tell he also wasn’t happy with me for not mentioning her lack of response earlier.”
“Why didn’t you? Mention it to him?”
“Like Leticia, I was busy. First, handling Marigold’s clients, then opening the new salon. Then…” She paused and didn’t continue.
“Then?” he prompted.
“Then I was too busy falling in love with you.”
Adam blinked, wondering if he’d heard correctly.
“I told Paul I’m pregnant. He assured me that with the money I’d be making, hiring a full-time nanny wouldn’t be a problem.”
“It’s an amazing opportunity, Charlotte.” He thought back to the conversation they’d had about childhood dreams. This was her dream. “You should do it.”
“What?” Surprise skittered across her face.
“It’s the dream. The one you told me about, the one you had when you were a little girl.”
“If I were to take the position, what about you? And Stan?” Her hand dropped to the front of her dress.
“If it was okay with you, we’d come along.” He flashed a smile. “Plenty of opportunities for organic farmers in California.”